La Mina Trail - Package #2

The La Mina trail is the most popular, hence the most heavily traveled trail on the EYNF. The trail follows the course of the La Mina River downward through lush tropical trees, shrubs and flowers to the La Mina waterfall (Cascada La Mina). Along the way, it crosses and re-crosses the rushing river on many small bridges, passing tiny cascades and still pools filled with chilled mountain water, on its way to the falls.

At a Glance

Permit Info:

Permit is required for camping.

Open Season:

All year except christmas

Restrictions:

Tents must be located at least 30 feet away from any trail or body of water and at least 50 feet from roads and developed picnic sites. Do not dig trenches/diversions to channel water. 14 day stay limit, 8 people max per group.

General Information

Directions:

This trail begins at the Palo Colorado Information Center located at PR 191, km 12.2 in the EYNF El Yunque Recreation Area. Parking is available in two adjacent paved parking lots, as well as at designated areas along the road.

Activities

Hiking

SHOW

Day Hiking

The La Mina trail is 0.7 miles (1.2 km) long, descending from 2,132 feet (650 meters) to 1,640 feet (500 meters). Hiking time is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, one-way. This trail is rated as challenging in difficulty. It has several sets of winding concrete stairs that can make the return trip somewhat arduous. There are a number of covered picnic shelters (built of native stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930’s) available to hikers or picnickers near the trailhead. Each shelter has picnic tables, a barbeque and running water taps.

Fire Information

Use small campstove, do not build campfires. If you must build campfire, it must be at least 30 feet from any river, stream, or developed trail. Build fires only in fire rings, stoves, or grills.

Elevation desc

2132 to 1640 feet

Picnicking

SHOW

Picnicking

Fire Information

Use small campstove, do not build campfires. If you must build campfire, it must be at least 30 feet from any river, stream, or developed trail. Build fires only in fire rings, stoves, or grills.

Water Activities

HIDE

Swimming

The trail ends at Cascada La Mina (La Mina Falls), an exquisite waterfall that drops over 35 feet through a jumble of huge rocks into a lovely pool where hikers can choose to swim in the cool refreshing water or merely rest and enjoy the view.